Report: Migrant deaths in Arizona remain steady

PHOENIX — A report from the University of Arizona finds that deaths of
migrants entering the country illegally along the Southwest border have remained
steady at an average of 150 a year since 2002.

University researchers report the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner
processed the remains of 2,238 migrants from 1990-2012, of which more than 750
remain unidentified. The report was released Wednesday.

The authors contend the findings highlight how migrants intent on crossing the
border into Arizona have been pushed into more remote areas. The move comes amid
increased security at traditional crossing points closer to urban areas.

The findings are based on the studies of demographic characteristics of the
identified remains and the locations where bodies have been found over the past
22 years.